Place molasses in a small saucepan and heat almost to a simmer. Remove from heat and beat in eggs one at a time. Set mixture aside until tepid.

Sift together 5 1/2 cups (1,375 mL) flour, spices, baking soda and powder and set aside. Place butter in a large mixing bowl and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in the brown sugar, lemon and orange zest, followed by the cooled molasses mixture. When the mixture is well blended, add in the flour/spice mixture. If it seems too sticky to form a dough, add the remaining 1/2 cup (125 mL) flour (but keep in mind that it will firm up when chilled). Divide dough into thirds and wrap each piece individually. Refrigerate the dough at least 1 1/2 hours, up to 24 hours (the dough also freezes well).

Working with one piece at a time, roll the dough on a lightly floured surface until you reach a 1/4-inch thickness (about 4 mm). Cut out cookies using a gingerbread-person cookie cutter and, with a spatula, transfer to a baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches (5 cm) apart.

Place in the centre of the oven and bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are just tinged brown. Remove from oven and let stand for about three minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely before decorating.

If you have questions about cooking or dining, send them to Lesley Chesterman, c/o Eater's Digest, The Gazette, 1010 Ste. Catherine St. W., Suite 200, Montreal H3B 5L1; eatersdigest@hotmail.com.

Almost Done!

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.